WWE Smackdown returned to its prior ratings level last Friday on USA Network, achieving a notable rise in viewership. The show recorded a 0.34 rating among adults aged 18-49 and attracted 1.379 million viewers, according to Wrestlenomics. These figures represent a 17.2% increase in the demo rating and a 23.9% boost in audience compared to the previous week’s 0.29 rating and 1.113 million viewers.
Comparison to Previous Weeks and Competing Broadcasts
This recent episode’s numbers closely match the February 6th USA Network broadcast, which posted a 0.35 demo rating and 1.459 million viewers. That episode served as the final show before Elimination Chamber. On that same night, FOX’s Big 10 game led the ratings with a 0.44 demo and 2.161 million viewers, followed by an ESPN NBA game with a 0.40 rating and 1.539 million viewers.
Context of Nielsen Rating Adjustments and Yearly Trends
It is important to note that Nielsen updated its Big Data + Panel measurement system in late January, which has complicated direct comparisons of ratings to earlier weeks. Despite this, WWE Smackdown’s 2026 average rating stands at 0.278 in the key demographic with 1.148 million viewers, down from a 0.462 rating and 1.533 million viewers during the same period in 2025.
